WARRINGTON Wolves’ Academy products continue to come to the fore at The Halliwell Jones Stadium.

A total of 13 players to have progressed through the Academy system have featured in primrose and blue this season.

Eight of those home-grown players made the squad for Warrington’s 34-18 Super League win at Salford Red Devils last week.

Among the try scorers were Ben Currie, Gene Ormsby and Brad Dwyer.

Head of coaching and rugby Tony Smith gives us his view on three of Wolves' top young performers.

Smith on Ben Currie

Age: 20

Wolves appearances in 2015: 17

Tries: 10

Warrington Guardian:

“He’s been very consistent and everyone’s recognised Ben’s talents over the years, that he was going to become and was doing a good job as a Super League player.

“Now he really is establishing himself as a class act. We’ve seen some of that in the way he attacks in particular but some of his defence has improved enormously, which is what he had to do to become a more rounded player.

“He has the ability to run the ball, kick the ball and has a passing and game sense as well as try-saving ability – we saw a break there the other day.

“A two-on-one steal on Kev Penny and Ben went and saved the try. He’s doing some of those big plays for us as well as just the hard work a back rower needs to do.

“In his fourth season full time, he’s almost a veteran at a young age.

“He is experienced within the squad, he speaks up in team meetings and is speaking like an experienced Super League player – and he’s certainly playing that way.”

On England head coach Steve McNamara’s recent praise

“I’m delighted for him and delighted there is some recognition out there about what he’s been achieving and what he’s able to achieve in the future.

“I think his inclusion in the England set up has been well-earned recognition.

“He’s delighted and he’s always had ambition to do that.

“He’s had experience with Ireland in the World Cup and that was to fulfil a little bit of a family dream, his grandfather being Irish, and to make his grandfather proud.

“The ambition was always to get back into the England fray and I’m sure once he gets an opportunity there he won’t turn it down.”

 

Smith on Gene Ormsby

Age: 22

2015 apps: 7

Tries: 9

Warrington Guardian:

“It was split hairs between Gene and Kevin (Penny) in pre-season, I thought the two of them had pretty good pre-seasons and trial friendlies.

“Kev got the nod but since then Gene has been patient, waited and bided his time and he’s done a great job.

“He has some fantastic finishes and has a willingness to learn, he’s not fault-free at this stage.

“But he’s such an enthusiastic player he will learn, get better and he’s determined to get it right as often as he can.”

On a spectacular hat-trick at Salford

“All our boys get to practice that sort of stuff. It's an aspect of his game and every winger's game that is important.

“Kev Penny had a few last week.

“Rich Agar puts them through drills that helps and encourages them to finish well like that.

“It's a big facet of their play these days.

“They're a spectactular part of the game too, they're great to watch.

“He did exceptionally well with the third try but the ball to him was pretty good too.”

Smith on Brad Dwyer

Age: 22

2015 apps: 2

Tries: 2

Warrington Guardian:

“To be able to bring in Brad was unexpected, but he’s been a breath of fresh air for us.

“He’s an energetic little ball of energy, you saw that at the weekend.

“He came on at just the right time to lift us and came up with some absolutely enormous plays that helped us gain the upper hand at a time where it could have gone either way.

“Brad was enormous for us. He lifted the speed of the game and was terrific.

“He had to be patient to get his first game back in Super League but played a big part for us.

“It hasn’t gone unchecked by his fellow players and coaching staff just what a breath of fresh air he has been for us.”